Primary turnout up

An increased turnout of voters in the Tuesday primary election resulted in a pair of close races and one landslide victory.

QCS photo: Thomas Garcia

County Clerk Ellen White, right, reads off election result numbers from Precinct 2 (Forrest), as Franklin McCasland writes the results for the residents keeping tally during Tuesday's primary election.

"It was a wonderful turnout," said Sue Dowell, District 1 County Commission seat winner.

Dowell defeated incumbent Robert Lopez by 13 votes, and felt having a close race showed community involvement for supporters of both sides.

"It's been a good run," said Lopez, who was appointed to the office by then-Gov. Bill Richardson in 2005 to replace the late Grace Madrid. "I appreciate all of the voters coming out."

Lopez said having such a close race — 547 for Dowell, 534 for Lopez — with high voter turnout was exciting in itself.

"It's what you want to see as an elected official — people taking interest and action in their community," Lopez said.

In the race to be the next 10th Judicial District attorney, senior trial attorney Tim Rose picked up 750 votes to defeat former deputy attorney and former district judge Donald Schutte, who finished with 635 votes. The election was comprised of votes from Quay, Harding and De Baca County, and the position was available after Ron Reeves opted for retirement.

Schutte declined comment and Rose could not be reached immediately for comment.

In the landslide vote, Mike Cherry won the District 2 County Commission with 582 votes to 186 for Ernest F. Dominguez Jr.

"I'm happy the most about the turnout," Cherry said. "It could have been higher, though I am glad people got out to cast their vote."

Cherry said he appreciated Dominguez during the race and how positive he kept the election. He said he is looking forward to serving the residents of Quay County.

Dominguez said he is happy for Cherry and hopes he helps to move Quay County forward.

Quay County Clerk Ellen White said the votes reflect increased turnout for both Demoracts and Republicans.

"I truly believe the residents of Quay County want and appreciate their ability to vote on who represents them," White said.

Democratic turnout was 36 percent — 1,100 votes out of 3,030 registered voters. That is up from 34 percent in 2008 (1,180 votes out of 3,490 registered voters).